GREECE PELOPONNESE KORINTHIA AGIONORI

Above: Approaching the impressive castle of Agionori, located on an isolated hilltop in the remote area of southern Korinthia.

Above right: Ground-plan of Agionori castle - (1)-(5) towers, (6) water cistern, (7)-(8) auxiliary building, (9)-(10) buildings' remains, (11) gate, (12) bastion.

The castle was built between 1377 and 1450 after the Frankish conquest. It had different functions - as an administrative center, a residence and a symbol of power. It controlled the Kontoporeia, a road of strategic importance between the region of Corinth and that of Argos, as well as the surrounding settlement with its agro-pastoral production, that according to documents existed already in Byzantine times of the 10th century.

The castle of Agionori, constructed with a pentagonal layout, has two high and strong towers, built at the vulnerable south side of the castle. They were constructed first and used for residence and storage.

Above and below left: Towers and walls of the castle. - Below right: Staircase to the gate on the most inaccessible North side.

Above: Looking in and looking out the gate of Agionori castle. - Above right and below left: Inner views of the castle. - Below right: View from the castle to the North.